2025 Kafatos Lecture with May-Britt Moser

May-Britt Moser

May-Britt Moser, Co-Director of the Kavli Institute for Systems Neuroscience in Norway, has made transformational contributions to neuroscience through her pioneering work on the brain’s spatial navigation system. Her groundbreaking research, conducted in collaboration with Edvard Moser, revealed how the brain uses "grid cells" in the entorhinal cortex to create an internal coordinate system, enabling navigation and spatial memory. This discovery earned her the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine in 2014, shared with Edvard Moser and John O’Keefe.

The identification of grid cells was a major breakthrough, providing unparalleled insights into how the brain maps environments and processes spatial information. This work has had profound implications for understanding memory, cognition, and neurological conditions like Alzheimer’s disease, where these systems often deteriorate.

Moser continues to lead innovative research into the brain’s mechanisms, fostering a collaborative environment that inspires the next generation of neuroscientists. Her discoveries remain at the forefront of neuroscience, offering immense potential for advancing treatments for cognitive disorders.

The Kafatos Lectures

The Kafatos Lectures aim to bring groundbreaking and relevant life sciences research to the worldwide public, making it accessible and highlighting its day-to-day societal impact. Whether you're a high school student, a world-class scientist or someone with a non-scientific background, this lecture is tailored for you. The only requirements are enthusiasm and curiosity.

Tuesday 18 March

18:00-18:05 CET | Word of welcome
18:05-18:10 CET | Introduction by Interim Head of EMBL Rome Cornelius Gross
18:10-18:40 CET | 2025 Kafatos Lecture by May-Britt Moser
18:40-19:10 CET | Q&A with May-Britt Moser moderated by Agnes Szmolenszky (in-person and online)
19:10-20:10 CET | Drinks Reception (in-person)

Host or Publisher EMBL Alumni Relations